In a groundbreaking AI-powered analysis, researchers uncovered a startling reality—75% of the world’s large fishing boats and 25% of transport and energy ships operate as “dark vessels,” concealing their locations. This revelation exposes a significant gap in our understanding of ocean activities, raising concerns about illegal practices impacting our seas.
Shining a Light on Ocean Shadows
Led by Fernando Paolo and the Global Fishing Watch team, the research utilized satellite images from 2017 to 2021, focusing on coastal regions where major fishing and industrial activities unfold. Artificial intelligence played a crucial role in detecting and categorizing boats and offshore structures within this extensive dataset.
The Alarming Findings
A comparison with a database of boats publicly sharing their locations revealed a stark reality: the majority of vessels operate without their automated identification systems active. While not mandatory, the absence of this identification raises suspicions of potential illegal activities, particularly in the realm of fishing.
AI’s Key Role in Classification
One AI model specialized in distinguishing fishing vessels from others based on travel patterns and locations. Surprisingly, 42 to 49% of approximately 63,000 vessels fell into this classification, indicating a widespread issue. Additionally, AIs identified 28,000 offshore structures related to wind power and oil production.
Oceans at a Crossroads
David Kroodsma at Global Fishing Watch emphasizes that while fishing activities have plateaued, other offshore developments are on the rise. The increasing presence of offshore wind turbines compared to traditional oil rigs signals a shifting dynamic in our oceans.
A Call for Comprehensive Monitoring
Experts stress the need to map out non-fishing activities encroaching on fishing grounds. As oceans become more crowded, understanding the interplay between various human activities is crucial. While limitations exist in detecting smaller fishing vessels, these efforts enhance monitoring around protected marine areas and unregulated ocean zones.
In a Nature article, Konstantin Klemmer (Microsoft) and Esther Rolf (Harvard University) acknowledge the resolution challenges in detecting small vessels but highlight the potential for improved monitoring in vital marine areas. The quest for a transparent and monitored ocean continues, urging us to address the growing complexities of human activities at sea.
